People helping people – part 2
Charlotte Smith and Lucas Strunk are just two individuals locally who have been helping others by making masks.
By Greg Bird
A few weeks ago we presented a story about people helping people during this time of crisis. This week, we follow up with one of those groups, and touch base with a couple others to show how individuals in our community are taking the opportunity to donate their skills and time to provide much-needed masks for medical workers.
The CAP’s Quilting Bees, a sewing group that meets weekly at the CAP building (formerly Eagle Elementary) have been working on sewing surgical masks to help local doctors offices and others in the community who need extra protection.
MaryAnn Tucker, one of the members of the group, told us this week that her group has now made over 1,100 masks, and delivered 100 to the Health Department this week. The group of industrious ladies – MaryAnn Tucker, Zada Perry, Leisha Brown, Annie Perry, Paula Shannon, and Donna Carpenter-Sizemore, only ask for prayers in return for their sewing. Though Tucker did say they would accept donations of fabric and elastic bands to help them meet the demand for the masks.
Charlotte Smith has a full time job, but that didn’t stop her from using her free time to sew masks as well. Smith had sewn over 125 masks before a shortage of material, exhaustion, time and family constraints forced her to step back for the time being.
“There has been a tremendous need for these, and I was glad to do what I could,” Smith said. “I just can’t keep up with the requests.”
Smith said she has reached out to other groups working on similar projects to offer what help she can and to forward requests for masks.
Lucas Strunk, who has a history with community-oriented projects, has embarked on another mission to help others. The 12-year-old received a 3D printer for Christmas, and began making special requests for friends.
Once the COVID-19 outbreak hit, the young man changes tactics and started printing headbands than can easily be attached to face shields for medical workers and other first responders.
The project gained steam, and support, quickly. Enough donations rolled in to allow for the purchase of two additional printers – all three are running non-stop making the headbands, and ear-adapters.
“I just want to be able to give back to the people that sacrifice so much for us,” Lucas said. “It makes things a little less scary when you are able to focus your attention in doing something to help others.”
Those interested in donating to Lucas’ project can mail them to: PO Box 1085, Stearns, Kentucky, 42647.
